crozet

Where is Crozet, Virginia? It is halfway between Charlottesville and Waynesboro, just off of I-64. Crozet is also only a short drive from the Nelson 151 Trail in Nelson County and the Brew Ridge Trail that runs from Charlottesville to Nelson. Ample options for lodging are close, including the Iris Inn Bed & Breakfast—where I stayed to visit the region.

The Brew Ridge Trail is “Virginia’s Original Beer Trail” and intersects Crozet at Starr Hill Brewery. Following the trail brought me to this quaint small town with its own craft beverage and food vibe. Imagine enjoying a glass of wine while watching the sunset behind the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or pick your own peaches at Chiles Peach Orchard. (Plus homemade peach ice cream and peach cider donuts) There is something for everyone in this town. It’s family-friendly, and many locations are dog-friendly too.

King Family Vineyards is the host of “Wind Down Wednesday,”
and you can finish the work-week back at Chiles Peach Orchard for free Friday
night live music. This is a community
that ensures fond Summer memories. As a
visitor, I wonder how to absorb all of Crozet in my short visit best.

I stopped at Pro Re Nata in Crozet for dinner. Research brought me to this spot for not only
the beer but also the food menu from Hops Kitchen. I visit a craft brewery for the whole experience,
not just a pint of beer. The Hops
Kitchen menu will not disappoint. Pro
Re Nata proved to be an ideal place to relax and plan my week in the Blue
Ridge.

Sitting at the bar, I hear about the new Crozet Trolley from locals. Perhaps, this is a way to see all of Crozet in one day? Starting in Summer 2019, you will be able to ride the Crozet Trolley and blend together the intersection of Virginia beverage trails. Crozet will become a hub for Virginia craft beverage and food lovers.

View from the tasting room at Septenary Winery

I pulled up the Crozet Trolley Co (@crozettrolleyco) on
Facebook and checked out the map. With
Starr Hill Brewery, Old Trail, Pro Re Nata Farm Brewery, Greenwood Gourmet
Grocery, Septenary Winery at Seven Oak Farm, King Family Vineyards, Bold Rock
Hard Cider, Prince Michel Winery, and Chiles Peach Orchard on the map, I know that
the Crozet Trolley Trail is slated to be a winner.

As the DW&S Summer Guide is going to press, The Crozet
Trolley Company is starting to sell tickets for weekend rides. #ClangClang—Get on the Crozet Trolley and
make some Summer memories. Read about
the new trolley and book your tickets at www.crozettrolley.com.

Crozet Tip: While learning about the Crozet Trolley, I found the Greenwood Gourmet Grocery. Trolley customers will be able to pre-order sandwiches from the grocery. My tip is to visit this gourmet grocery to pack a picnic to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. At the grocery, you will find a curated collection of Virginia craft beverages and Virginia-Made products. They also have an eclectic menu of sandwiches and gourmet delights that they sell by the pound. I was able to pack a picnic and head up to the Ravens Roost Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway to watch the sunset.